Expert Reviews of Sandals & Beaches

How Does Sandals St. Vincent Compare to the Other Sandals Resorts?

5/21/2025 • Blog, Reviews, Sandals & Beaches • Having explored every Sandals and Beaches All-Inclusive Resort in the portfolio, I’m often asked how the newest resort in St. Vincent stacks up against the rest. I am thrilled to share that “Sandals 2.0” is a refreshing evolution of a beloved Caribbean brand. With the launch of Sandals Royal Curacao, Sandals Dunns River, and the most recent gem of Sandals St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the excitement was palpable. After falling head over heels for Sandals Dunn’s River Resort, which dethroned my long-time favorite of Sandals South Coast, my expectations for this new resort were sky-high! From the moment I arrived, the property itself captivated me. The breathtaking landscape is unlike anything else in the Sandals collection. I must have snapped over 200 photos of the stunning emerald mountains that cradle the resort alone! The way the sunlight danced across the scenery seemed to change by the minute, making it […]

Which Sandals Resort in Ocho Rios is Right for You? A Complete Comparison

3/18/2025 • Blog, Reviews, Sandals & Beaches • Ocho Rios, Jamaica, is home to three incredible Sandals Resorts, each offering a unique experience. Whether you're seeking modern luxury, boutique elegance, or a vibrant social scene, there’s a perfect match for you. In this guide, we’ll compare Sandals Dunn’s River, Sandals Royal Plantation, and Sandals Ochi to help you choose the best resort based on service, price, amenities, food, beach quality, nightlife, and overall vibe. Sandals Dunn’s River – Modern Luxury & Exclusivity Best For: Honeymooners, luxury travelers, couples who want brand-new, high-end accommodations. Overview: Recently fully renovated in 2023, Sandals Dunn’s River reviews consistently praise this resort for its modern, high-end suites, stunning ocean views, and luxurious feel. It is one of the newest and most exclusive Sandals Resorts in Jamaica, offering elevated service and top-tier amenities. If you’re searching for the best Sandals resort in Jamaica for a honeymoon, this is one of my top choices as […]

Beaches Turks & Caicos Review: The Good, The Bad & What You Need to Know Before You Book

3/14/2025 • Blog, Reviews, Sandals & Beaches • After visiting Beaches Turks & Caicos All-inclusive Resort multiple times in the past few years with friends, family and as a couple, I wanted to share an honest, detailed review to help you determine if this premium all-inclusive Caribbean family resort is the right fit for your family vacation, multigenerational trip or group getaway. Since this Caribbean resort comes with a premium price tag, it’s important to understand which room category to book, what dining experiences to expect, and whether the resort’s beach and amenities justify the cost. Let’s break it down! The Good: What Makes Beaches Turks & Caicos Stand Out? 1. The Beach & Water Quality – The Ultimate Draw It’s no surprise that the biggest reason travelers choose Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort is Grace Bay Beach—consistently ranked one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The resort sits along a prime stretch of 12 miles […]

Sandals Montego Bay vs. Sandals Royal Caribbean: Which One is Right for You?

2/28/2025 • Blog, Reviews, Sandals & Beaches • Jamaica is home to some of the most stunning Sandals Resorts, and two of the most popular are Sandals Montego Bay and Sandals Royal Caribbean. Both offer a luxurious all-inclusive experience, but they have distinct vibes that cater to different vacation styles. Let’s break down what each property offers to see which one might be the best fit for your vacation: Resort Atmosphere & Activity Level • Sandals Montego Bay: Known as Sandals’ flagship resort, Montego Bay is lively and social, with a high-energy atmosphere. It’s ideal for couples who love an active scene with plenty of entertainment and beachside fun or a trip with a group of friends. • Sandals Royal Caribbean: More laid-back and intimate, this resort exudes British colonial charm. While still offering entertainment, it has a quieter, more romantic ambiance—perfect for couples seeking relaxation with a touch of elegance. Dining Options • Montego Bay: 12 restaurants, […]

Discovering Paradise: The Allure of Antigua

4/29/2024 • Blog, Reviews, Sandals & Beaches • Are you dreaming of a tropical escape that combines pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and unmatched luxury? Look no further than Antigua, a slice of paradise nestled in the heart of the Caribbean. Over the summer, I was chosen by the Tourism Board of Antigua and Barbuda to experience everything these amazing islands have to offer. This enchanting destination offers an idyllic setting for couples seeking a romantic retreat or families seeking an elevated escape with its breathtaking landscapes, warm hospitality, and a myriad of activities to suit every taste. Let me tell you why this island is one that can't be missed! A Symphony of Beaches: One of the most captivating features of Antigua is it’s collection of stunning beaches that seem to be straight out of a postcard. Antigua is known for its powdery white sand and turquoise waters. Whether you're a sun-worshipper looking to bask in the warm […]

Why Choosing a Sandals or Beaches All-Inclusive Resort Just Makes Financial Sense!

1/9/2024 • Blog, Reviews, Sandals & Beaches • My husband and I absolutely love Sandals All-Inclusive Resorts. I know, no surprise there. From the beaches and relaxing nature of the resort to the incredible food and lavish excursions, what’s not to love?! But one of our favorite “why’s” of why we love Sandals is from the financial aspect of the resorts. Our love affair with Sandals and Beaches All-Inclusive Resorts began in 2016 when we honeymooned in Grenada in the Caribbean. We actually fell into it at the recommendation of a friend because I was quite exhausted from planning our destination mountain wedding during the previous year and a half. Nothing sounded better than an all-inclusive where I didn’t have to plan a thing except what spa experience to get! Now, if you’ve ever checked out a Sandals vacation, you know that the initial price can seem like a lot. But what I have found is by the […]

Comparing the Sandals Resorts in St. Lucia: Sandals Grande St. Lucian vs. Sandals La Toc vs. Sandals Halcyon

10/25/2022 • Blog, Reviews, Sandals & Beaches • If you’ve already chosen St. Lucia, you know it’s a breathtaking paradise—like Hawaii, but without the long flight if you're coming from the East Coast. Now, the big question: which Sandals resort is the best fit for you? With three stunning options, there's something for everyone. Sandals Grande St. Lucian Our first stop is Sandals Grande St. Lucian, a vibrant and stunning resort located on Gros-Islet, offering breathtaking views of Rodney Bay and the iconic Pitons—volcanic peaks draped in lush tropical greenery. Grande is known for its stunning over-the-water bungalows and beachfront rondovals with private pools and butler service, laid out on a mile-long stretch of white sand beach. The resort is always buzzing with energy, boasting 12 diverse restaurants and an exciting lineup of activities. From Reggae Night on Saturdays and the Caribbean Carnival Beach BBQ on Mondays to daytime foam parties in the main pool and evenings at […]

Sandals All-Inclusive South Coast Resort in Jamaica-Review

8/2/2022 • Reviews, Sandals & Beaches • Let me start this by saying that if luxury accommodations, distinctive cuisine, and exemplary services perched next to the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea sound like your dream vacation then read on.  My husband and I selected Sandals All-Inclusive South Coast Resort in Jamaica for an anniversary trip and now it is one of my all-time favorite destinations! It’s nestled in a 500-acre nature preserve and boasts beautiful European elegance throughout. The property itself is abounding with lush vegetation and wildlife, including hummingbirds and peacocks, which freely roam the grounds. When you first arrive, your bags are whisked off to your room while you enjoy a signature resort cocktail and a tour of the beautiful grounds that are to be your home for the next several days. On the tour, I was reminded that one of my favorite things about Sandals is that they cater to everyone’s desires on […]

Sandals All-Inclusive Resorts: Emerald Bay vs. Royal Bahamian

7/10/2024 • Blog, Reviews, Sandals & Beaches • You’ve narrowed down your trip to the Bahamas, but you can’t pick which resort will be right for you. Let your Certified Sandals Specialist help guide the way! My husband and I just returned from an amazing trip to both the Bahamian resorts, so we were able to experience the best of both worlds. One thing I love about the Sandals brand is that each resort is unique from the next, so there is something great to discover at each one. I can say with firsthand experience that even those on the same islands have vastly different characteristics compared to its counterpart down the road. On this trip, we started at the newly reimagined Royal Bahamian in Nassau and the renovations were stunning! There were tons of new swim-up suites, the centrally located Coconut Grove with food trucks, and an amazing off-shore island. The main part of the resort has […]

Sandals Barbados or Sandals Royal Barbados: Which One Do You Choose?

6/16/2023 • Reviews, Sandals & Beaches • Barbados might be one of our favorite islands for so many reasons. The turquoise water is breathtaking, the cliffs on the north side of the island are magnificent, and the people are amazing! What’s not to love? We had visited Barbados pre-Sandals so when we found out Sandals was coming to Barbados, we were beyond excited and were finally able to take a trip there recently. The easy decision was going; the tough decision was figuring out which Sandals resort in Barbados we wanted to visit! There are two Sandals resorts on the island, so we had to make the choice. Now, I get to help you explore the differences between them to decide which one is right for you. The great part is the resorts back up to one another and is only separated by a sidewalk along the perimeter of the resorts. In addition to that, Sandals resorts […]